Moissanite Durability: How Long Will It Last?

Admired for its enduring brilliance, moissanite is renowned for its lasting sparkle. In the world of semi-precious gemstones, moissanite is highly valued for its brilliance, beauty, and affordability. But there’s another reason why this stone is considered to be the best diamond alternative for engagement rings and it’s because of moissanite’s durability. Being lab created, similar to lab grown diamonds, moissanite is a sustainable option for numerous buyers today.

Considering moissanite for fine jewelry, but asking "Does moissanite last" repetitively? Don’t worry! This blog will cover the exceptional durability of this gemstone, providing a comprehensive understanding of its resilience and longevity. We will also explore the factors that contribute to moissanite's impressive staying power, comparing it to diamond, and much more.

What Is Moissanite?

Moissanite, named after Henri Moissan, was the first man who identified the gem while examining rock specimens from a meteor crater located in Arizona. This gemstone also has another name - silicon carbide, and there’s a reason. Moissanite derives its exceptional strength from a robust tetrahedral lattice structure where carbon and silicon atoms are tightly bonded.

As a result, moissanite’s hardness is impressive enough to score 9.25 to 9.5 on the Mohs scale. And this is why it’s among the world’s hardest materials of all time, second to diamond, and ranks at 10 on the same scale. In the world of fine jewelry, moissanite seems to be attracting attention, especially for engagement rings, and also pendants and earrings.

With an appearance similar to diamonds (but at a fraction of the price), moissanite stands out for its exceptional brilliance and eye-catching sparkle. For anyone searching for luxurious-looking jewelry without draining your wallet (is that you?), moissanite has generally been a go-to option for many.

Moissanite is exceptionally durable for everyday use due to its 9.25 Mohs hardness rating, which is very close to that of a diamond. And did you know that moissanite’s brilliance is far better than diamonds? That’s because of the former’s unique refractive index.

Moissanite isn’t the only diamond alternative - there’s cubic zirconia, white sapphire, white topaz, and more. But the fact is, moissanite ranks on top in terms of both durability and visual appeal. It delivers the desired dazzling effect, doesn’t get cloudy over time, and retains its clarity.

No wonder it’s a smart and sustainable option! Whatever your concern may be whether it's ethical sourcing, affordability, or glistening sparkle, moissanite scores full points and is a beautiful, practical option for modern fine jewelry.

Moissanite Hardness and Scratch Resistance

If you’re wondering about moissanite’s durability, there’s absolutely nothing to worry about. With a 9.25 to 9.5 hardness rating on the Mohs scale, this high rating means that this semi-precious gemstone used in jewelry can withstand scratches and abrasions impressively.

Moissanite's unmatched hardness makes it the second most durable material for jewelry creation, surpassed only by diamonds. The stone’s excellent durability originates from its incredible hardness, implying it is resistant to daily wear and tear while preserving its top-tier looks over time.

In contrast to diamonds, which scored 10 on the same scale, moissanite is only a step below but more durable than most popular gems. This gem exhibits greater hardness compared to even sapphire, which registers a 9 on the Mohs scale. Hence, when it comes to long-term wear and damage resistance, moissanite secures a special advantage over other diamond alternatives.

You may wear a moissanite ring daily or on special occasions; this gemstone is built to last. Call it mighty toughness or resistance to scratches and chips, moissanite can retain its sparkle even after many years. And the best part? No heavy-duty or expensive maintenance regime needs to be followed! If your heart is yearning for beauty with uncompromised durability, moissanite is a resilient choice you’ll never regret.

Resistance to Chips and Breakage

Evaluating gemstones becomes easier when you understand the difference between hardness and toughness. So, what is hardness? It’s the gem’s ability to withstand scratches. On the other hand, a stone’s toughness refers to how far a stone can endure impacts, pressure, or sudden force, directing to its resistance to breaking and chipping.

Thanks to its balance of hardness and moderate toughness, moissanite performs great despite daily use. Although not as tough as diamond, moissanite is still the perfect choice for daily wear - it is beautiful, dazzles like a diamond, affordable, and long-lasting.

At CaratBee, most of our customers have reported their moissanite rings hold up remarkably even after years of regular use some are used for a decade and more and still shining bright! No chips, no breakage, no scratches. Just the same radiant sparkle they fell in love with at first sight!

How Long Does Moissanite Last?

If you’re keen to know how long moissanite lasts, you’ll be surprised to know the answer - it stays with you forever! While other gemstones may lose their sheen over the years, moissanite doesn’t. The incredible durability of moissanite enables it to withstand the test of time, so you can enjoy its splendor all your life and even hand it down to your next generation as a precious family heirloom.

The longevity of moissanite mostly depends on how well you care for it and the type of setting it’s placed in. Although the stone possesses incredible hardness, settings may often be crafted from softer metals, wearing over time. This can compromise the overall security of the piece. Hence, making sure to clean regularly and even visiting a jeweler for thorough inspections occasionally, can help maintain both the stone and its setting.

Being able to retain brilliance is one of moissanite’s exceptional qualities. Thankfully, there’s no fancy jewelry polishing needed to maintain the gem’s fiery sparkle, unlike some stones that get dull or cloudy eventually. This makes moissanite a top choice for daily wear.

Moissanite Vs. Diamond Durability

When durability is the main concern, whether to choose moissanite or diamond has been a common confusion seen among our buyers. Both moissanite and diamonds are top-tier contenders. Undoubtedly, diamond is hailed as the king (or queen) of durability, but even moissanite is no less.

With moissanite’s hardness score of 9.25 to 9.5 on the Mohs scale, it’s only a little less than diamond, meaning moissanite is also resistant to scratching or breakage, proving to be one of the strongest members of the gemstone family. While diamonds are known for their unparalleled durability, moissanite is also a very strong and resilient gemstone. However, in terms of toughness, moissanite edges slightly ahead through its power to resist breakage or chips.

Diamonds are extremely hard, yet they can be more prone to chipping or damage if struck with heavy force. Featuring a durable crystal structure, moissanite proves to be more resistant to breakage, making it a suitable choice for those engaged in an active lifestyle.

For daily wear, moissanite holds up beautifully, requiring minimal upkeep to maintain its fire and brilliance. For heirloom jewelry, diamonds still hold emotional and traditional appeal, but moissanite's lasting clarity and structure make it a strong, modern-day alternative.

In the end, choosing between the two comes down to personal priorities, whether it's the unbeatable hardness of diamonds or the overall resilience and sparkle of moissanite, both are built to last for generations with proper care.

How to Care for and Maintain Moissanite Jewelry

Cleaning Tips

We know that earlier we said moissanite retains its brilliance for a lifetime. And that’s only true if you follow a proper maintenance routine. Daily use can lead to the accumulation of oil, dirt, and buildup, which needs frequent cleaning to preserve its sparkle. The best part is you don’t need to keep 3 to 4 hours aside for cleaning moissanite, unlike cars; it can be easily done within an hour using gentle soap, warm water, and a soft brush.

Seems like your moissanite jewelry is requesting ‘give me a deep clean’? Book professional jewelry cleaning to eliminate deeply embedded dirt from corners you may have missed while cleaning at home.

What should your moissanite cleaning solution contain?

• Mild soap
• Warm water
• Soft brush
  

Don’t forget to wash your moissanite jewelry using clean water, then wipe it dry with a lint-free, soft cloth. Avoid using any harsh cleaning chemicals that may ruin the gem’s shine in the long run. 

Storage and Handling Best Practices

Although moissanite's hardness contributes to its durability, its lasting beauty requires careful handling if you want it to remain scratch-free. To prevent scratches on the surface or any kind of damage, always remember to keep your moissanite jewelry in a soft-lined box or case while storing it. If you’re working with harsh chemicals or engaged in activities that may impact the gem’s appearance, it’s advisable to avoid wearing your moissanite jewelry. Let it remain in a soft-lined pouch, comfortably at home while it gossips with your other friendly gemstones!

3 golden rules to preserve the sparkle of your moissanite jewelry:

• Avoid wearing during high-impact activities
• Prevent exposure to chlorine or powerful cleaning chemicals
• Always keep your moissanite separately to protect against scratches
  

Is Moissanite a Good Choice for Engagement Rings?

When choosing an engagement ring, durability plays a huge role. Moissanite is known for its impressive hardness, ranking just below diamonds on the Mohs scale. This means it resists scratches and damage well, making it a practical option for everyday wear. You won’t have to worry about it losing its shape or shine with regular use.

In terms of looks, moissanite has a distinct brilliance that many find captivating. It reflects light in a slightly different way than diamonds, often giving off a more colorful sparkle. For those who want something eye-catching and unique, moissanite delivers both beauty and charm.

Another reason people are turning to moissanite for engagement rings is its affordability. It offers a similar appearance to diamonds at a fraction of the cost, allowing couples to save money or invest in a larger stone without breaking the bank. This has made it especially appealing to those who want quality without the high price tag.

All in all, moissanite offers the perfect blend of style, strength, and value, making it an excellent option for engagement rings that are meant to last.

Conclusion

Moissanite is one stone that blends the best of all worlds - beauty, clarity, durability, and affordability, essentially the factors you’d be looking for when making a jewelry investment. Learning only about whether moissanite will lose its shine in due course isn’t enough. You must have a deeper understanding of the truth behind moissanite’s durability and how, with regular maintenance, you can preserve its sparkle over the years.

So, if you’ve been asking ‘Does moissanite last?’ or ‘Is moissanite durable?’, our answer is, of course, yes! Fall in love with CaratBee’s beautiful collection of moissanite rings. From solitaire and vintage to halo rings, choose from a plethora of trending styles that celebrate your sweet love story, forever!